Benitez focused on Corinthians clash

Rafael Benitez is relishing the "amazing" opportunity of a third Club World Cup final but refused to contemplate the implications of the result for his Chelsea future.

PUBLISHED: 13:41, Sat, Dec 15, 2012

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Rafael Benitez is concentrating only on games with Chelsea [PA]

Benitez will become the first manager to lead out a team three times in what is the climax of the competition when the Blues face Corinthians in Yokohama.

The former Liverpool boss said: "I am not worried about what is going on in the future. I am worried about what is going on tomorrow. I cannot manage the other things."

Benitez knows more than anyone what it takes to win the Club World Cup, having done so with Inter Milan two years ago after controversially losing the 2005 final with Liverpool.

"I'm really pleased, I'm really proud, because I could manage three top sides in the world," he said. "To be here and to have this opportunity to win again is amazing and is fantastic.

"I know that it is a very important competition. Some people say that it is not the biggest in the world.

"We know that the Copa Libertadores or Champions League are maybe a little bit different because you play 13 games and you play during the whole season. To be here, you have to be champions. After, you have to win."

Benitez revealed he had yet to decide on his starting line-up, particularly whether to hand Frank Lampard a first start since his recovery from a calf problem.

"The good thing about this team, this squad, is I can choose any player and I'm sure that they will perform," Benitez said. "Frank is one of these players. He's a good player, a very good player.

"Still, I don't have the team in my head. After talking with my staff, we will decide."